I'm sure you have all heard the term Good Samaritan before. It is used as a common metaphor, applying to any charitable person, especially one who rescues or helps out a needy stranger as in the Biblical parable. (Luke 10:29-37). How many of us have it in us to truly be good Samaritans? How many of us are too busy with our daily lives to even take a second to help?
As I have written here over the years, there are many different ways of helping out people in need. Yes, sometimes we don't have a lot of money to give, but it isn't always about money. There are certainly other things we can do. Give a little time. Give a little thought. Look at your neighborhood with fresh eyes. Where are the needs? What do you see, hear, smell, touch? What is it that YOU can do?
Feeding the hungry might seem huge, but how about bringing an extra sandwich in your lunch and giving it to the first person you see who is hungry? You can also buy fast food gift cards to give out to people you see who need a meal. (These generally range in price from ten dollars up). Eating out? Pack up what you didn't finish and give it to someone on the street. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Donate canned goods. What else? Be creative! Share some ideas with us.
Being a good Samaritan is something we can all make time for and there are many ways to do this. Will YOU find the time, or are you too busy?